New Myanmar prisoner amnesty ahead of Obama visit: officials

YANGON (AFP) - Myanmar officials said late on Wednesday that prisoners will be released in amnesty just days before US President Barack Obama arrives for a visit which is seen as an endorsement of reforms sweeping the former army-ruled nation.

"The announcement will be printed tomorrow in the state run newspaper," Presidential office spokesman Zaw Htay said.

Another official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said 450 prisoners will be released.